The Daily App: Uber for Android, iOS, SMS, Web

Wikipedia defines uber as a German word for over, above or across. But search Google Play for the same word and the result is something very different. Uber from the developer of the same name is an app that can get you across town.

This brilliant idea from developer Uber Technologies links a database of private taxi drivers in about a dozen cities to people in need of transporation in a particular city. Signing up to use the free app requires a credit card. Then, simply open the app on an iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch or Android device and set the pickup location on the map. Other devices can enter their address at m.uber.com or (in U.S. and Canada) text the addreess to 827-222 (UBR-CAB). Then send a request for a car and wait for confirmation. Once your trip is complete, a payment and tip (if any) are applied to the credit card on file.